New Monument Protects Prime California Coastal Hiking Spot
On March 11, 2014, President Obama used his authority granted to him by the 1906 Antiquities Act to designate the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands as a National Monument. At the historic signing, President Obama noted, “We are talking about over 1,600 acres of incredible coastline in California that reflects the incredible diversity of flora and fauna. It is a place where scientists do research; where people who just want to experience the great outdoors can take advantage of it. It is a huge economic boost for the region. California tourism obviously is important, and the California coastline I think is as big of an attraction as there is.”
The Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands includes 1,665 acres of Federal land administered by the Bureau of Land Management along the Northern California coastline. Situated along the rugged Mendocino County coastline just north of the town of Point Arena the Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands are a unique and spectacular area that includes access to 12 coastal miles of undeveloped federal and state-managed public lands, coastal bluffs, the estuary of the Garcia River, sandy beaches and dunes, and adjacent small islands accessible during low tide.
The diverse habitats found on this coastline provide a critical refuge for a number of threatened and endangered species including the Point Arena mountain beaver, the western snowy plover, Behren’s silverspot butterfly and California red-legged frog.
There are many ways to experience the spectacular landscape of the Point Arena-Stornetta Unit of the California Coastal National Monument. The area offers outstanding hiking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, fishing, and public access to the Mendocino Coast. This is a great day for all hikers!
Point Arena-Stornetta Coastline & Lighthouse
